2023 sees the ninth season of the boys Connetics Premier Schools 1st XI Competition kick off next Wednesday, 26 April. With both Lincoln High School and Hillmorton High School rejoining the competition after a couple of years absence, the competition has swelled to 14 teams. Defending champions Cashmere High School will be strong contenders to defend their title, but St Thomas of Canterbury College, St Bede's College and Shirley Boys High School fresh off their win at the Futsal Nationals will all be teams to watch. 

With 14 teams, the competition has now been split into two pools, roughly seeded by last year's placings on the tables. Teams will play everyone in their pool in the first seven rounds of the competition, with crossover games also in play as potential qualifying games for the Premier National Tournament. With the National Premier Tournament being held in Christchurch this year at venues across the city, the top teams will be looking to maximise these opportunities. The top four teams at the end of Round 9, generally get the automatic qualification spots for the Canterbury region. 

Following the pool stage, the competition will split into an eight-team Premiership grade with the top four teams from each pool qualifying. The remaining six teams will play in a Championship grade. The competition will conclude with a series of playoffs and finals for the respective Premiership and Championship grades to round out the season on Wednesday 23 August.

 A huge hanks to the team at Connetics for their continuing support of the competition. Their support is greatly appreciated.

The girls Premier Schools 1stXI Competition will start on Wednesday 10 May. This competition will involve: Papanui High School, Burnside High School, Avonside Girls' High School, Cashmere High School, Christchurch Girls' High School, Lincoln High School, Rangiora High School, Rangi Ruru Girls' School, St Andrews College, St Margarets College and Villa Milla College.

Article added: Wednesday 19 April 2023